5 ocean surface characteristics the ocean surface

(5) Ocean Surface Characteristics. The ocean surface environment actually
varies widely depending on METOC conditions. The senior METOC officer (SMO)
evaluates the effects of seasonal METOC variations on maritime surface operations
throughout the AOI. Examples of some important METOC considerations include winds
and temperature. Winds and storms provide the mechanism for wave formation, and
therefore determine ocean surface roughness or sea state. Sea state is a major factor in
determining the feasibility of naval operations and the functionality of maritime weapons
platforms. Temperature controls the extent of ice formation and impacts the strength and
direction of ocean currents. The presence of ocean ice is a significant seasonal variable
that directly affects navigation, port operations, and harbor availability. In some
instances, severe ice conditions may force naval units to seasonally redeploy to alternate
bases. The presence of ocean currents is an important real-time variable that directly
impacts navigation and naval operations.
(6) Ocean Subsurface Characteristics. The subsurface characteristics of the
ocean are crucial to the conduct of submarine, unmanned underwater vehicle,
antisubmarine, and mining operations (collectively known as undersea warfare). Sonar
capabilities are significantly affected by such METOC variables, to include: the
composition of the sea bottom, saline content and water temperatures at various depths,
the presence of ocean currents and eddies, and the ambient noise in various areas of the
III-10 JP 2-01.3

Describe the Impact of the Operational Environment—Step 2
ocean. Warfighters also need to have knowledge of the optical properties of the water
column in order to assess surface and sub-surface non-acoustic detection vulnerability,
laser scan system effectiveness, and diver vulnerability/visibility during diver operations.
This includes an understanding of the bioluminescence potential in an area that can light
up an adversary and/or friendly forces at night. Bathymetry can provide submarines with
a maritime version of terrain masking and avenues of approach. Ocean depth is another
example of a subsurface METOC characteristic vitally important to naval operations. For
example, availability of convergence zone acoustic propagation path requires depth
excess. Ocean depth is also particularly crucial when conducting underice operations, as
the varying thickness of ocean ice creates a ceiling that may severely restrict a
submarine’s vertical maneuvering room. In addition, utilization of oceanographic models
that provide bathymetric estimations and oceanic feature forecasts can be used to
advantage by the warfighter during operational planning and decision-making processes.